Information about the different types of petitions for challenging a criminal conviction or sentence in addition to or instead of a direct appeal.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Impugnaciones 'colaterales' a las condenas penales de California” on our Spanish resources page.

Information about how a person might get released from prison through resentencing if they (1) have a serious and advanced medical condition with an end-of-life trajectory, (2) are permanently medically incapacitated with a medical condition or functional impairment that makes them permanently unable to complete activities of basic daily living, or (3) have progressive end-stage dementia.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Liberación compasiva” on our Spanish resources page.

Information on constitutional rights and CDCR rules about using confidential information in disciplinary and classification proceedings.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Uso de la información confidencial en las decisiones del CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.

How to seek seek dental care and challenge denial of dental care.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Atención dental en las prisones del CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.

How to file a notice of appeal from a criminal judgment and contact information for the state appellate defense offices.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Apelaciones directas a condenas penales de California” on our Spanish resources page.

Information about early parole consideration for some people who are over the age of 50 (or in some cases 60).

This resource is available in Spanish as “Programa de libertad condicional para el adulto mayor” on our Spanish resources page.

This non-profit organization publishes some resources for people incarcerated in prisons and jails, including a Racial Justice Act Guide and information on resentencing laws

A summary of some of the changes to the laws on sentences and enhanements in the past few years and whether those laws apply to people convicted before the new laws took effect.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Cambios en las leyes sobre aumentos de condenas y sobre sentencias” on our Spanish resources page.

Information and sample habeas corpus petition for challenging poor prison structural conditions

Information about the laws concerning CDCR's consideration of family ties in deciding where to house someone.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Lazos familiares y ubicaciones en prisiones del CDCR” on our Spanish resources page.

Information about CDCR's policies for overnight family visits

Rules and requirements for people with California criminal convictions who want to file a federal court petition for writ of habeas corpus after completing state appeals and/or writs.

Information on rights and legal remedies when prison staff use excessive physical force. (Note: there is a separate resource with additional information on misconduct complaints against CDCR staff.)

This resource is available in Spanish as “Uso de la fuerza por parte de personal de CDCR inadecuado o fuera de la ley” on our Spanish resources page.

Information on the laws concerning when prison staff can classify someone as a prison gang or street gang member or associate

Information and forms for filing a state habeas corpus petition. A state habeas corpus petition can be used to challenge policies or actions by prison or jail staff or (in some circumstances) to challenge a criminal conviction or sentence.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Peticiones de hábeas corpus ante el Tribunal Estatal de California” on our Spanish resources page.

Link to the California State Independent Living Council's list of independent living centers that assist people with diabilities

Includes a Prison to Ice to Freedom manual prepared by Asian Law Causcus.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Información de inmigración para personas encarceladas” on our Spanish resources page.

Database maintained by the National Immigration Legal Services Directory for orginizations offering immigration services. Searchable by zip code or name of institution.

Information about the rules for getting access to a law library and what materials CDCR is required to provide

Tips on how to look for a lawyer to take a case, plus information on when courts may appoint a lawyer.

This resource is available in Spanish as “Información sobre solicitudes de recomendación de abogado” on our Spanish resources page.